Education of
Children Living in Care

Education is our Future

Personal Education Plan (PEP)

Government guidance expects that children living in care will have a Personal Education Plan by their first review. It is a statutory part of the Care Plan and should be monitored and reviewed regularly; at least 6 monthly and after any change of school.

A PEP is a key process and document. It views education in a broad sense, looking at out of school hours learning as well as support for school work. It aims to:

ensure access to services and support
achieve continuity in planning and support
contribute to stability and minimise disruption and broken schooling
highlight particular and special needs
establish clear goals
act as a record of progress and achievement
support multi-agency working

The Social Worker has responsibility for initiating the planning process, case management responsibility and responsibility for the statutory review process of which the PEP will form a part.

Designated teachers will ensure that each looked after child has a PEP and will assume management at school level.

Children living in care are expected to contribute to the process, according to their age and understanding, and are asked to complete their view's sheet and contribute to the meeting.

Foster carers are a key part of the plan/process. In addition to being proactive in supporting the child's learning in schools, the foster carer has a vital role to play in promoting and supporting learning out of school.

More information about the various roles and responsibilities (98Kb, pdf file) can be found in the handbook.

A Bexley PEP is available for children in their Early Years from 3 - 5 years, or earlier if required, and also for children of statutory school-age. The PEP planning process informs the more general Pathway Plan for young people who have completed statutory schooling but a PEP may still be used for very specific education planning.

Further information, including Personal Education and Pathway Plan formats and guidance are available in Section 7 of the Education of Children Living in Care Handbook.